Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour.

The A level will lead students through the complexities of the mind, including memory and eyewitness testimony as well as the scientific study of the brain. The course is designed to develop an awareness of the workings of the human mind and the scientific investigation of human behaviour. Students will learn about a number of well-known psychological studies by influential psychologists such as Freud, Zimbardo, Asch and Milgram. They will also learn about psychological research methods and the application of psychology in the real world.

Topics studied include social influence, attachment, aggression, schizophrenia and cognition and development. The course also provides students with an understanding of the key approaches in psychology as well as a biopsychology unit which examines how our human biology works and influences our behaviour.

Psychology links well with many careers because it gives a good understanding of ‘people’. Education, nursing, sport, marketing, therapy and psychological occupations all demand a knowledge of psychology.

Exam board:

AQA

Essential Entry Requirements:

Standard Sixth Form requirements and a Grade B in GCSE Science

Preferred Entry Requirements:

Grade 6 in GCSE English and Maths, but we will consider students with a Grade 5 if their GCSE grades in other subjects are sufficiently strong.